KZN braces for icy weekend

Residents of KwaZulu-Natal are being warned to prepare for an icy weekend as a spring cut-off low is set to sweep through the province, bringing snow, cold, wind, and rain. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather advisory, alerting the public to the harsh conditions expected over the next few days.

With snowfall expected as low as Nottingham Road, Underberg, Himeville, from Thursday evening going into Friday, large parts of the N3 from Mooi River towards Gauteng is also expected to receive snowfall of up to 25cm.

In response, disaster management teams have been placed on high alert across the province, ready to tackle potential emergencies. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has urged residents to pay caution to the advisory, and be aware of localised flooding and road closures due to snow, particularly around the Drakensberg region.

“Extreme weather conditions, such as these, pose a significant risk to both human life and livestock,” warned Buthelezi. Residents are advised to exercise extra caution when travelling, as snow may cause hazardous road conditions. Low-lying areas, bridges, and walkways could also be flooded, leading to potential road closures.

Buthelezi further urged those relying on alternative heating methods like generators and braziers to handle them with care to avoid accidents.